7 Amazing Things to Do in Texas in February (You’ll Want to Do Them All)
February in Texas is a sweet spot: cooler air, lighter crowds, and events that bring out the state’s bold personality. From rodeo lights to Mardi Gras beads, every weekend can feel like a mini vacation. You can chase early wildflowers, sip wine by a fireplace, or hike desert canyons under crisp blue skies.
If you love big flavors, bigger music, and cozy getaways, this month is your playground.
1. Celebrate San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo
The midway hums with neon, fry bread scent, and that excited buzz you feel before a big ride. Inside the arena, the announcer crackles, a chute clangs, and a bronc explodes into the lights while the crowd roars. Between events, you wander to see prize animals, sample brisket, and catch a set from a touring headliner.
Plan for traffic and book seats early, especially on concert nights. Dress in layers since February nights can feel surprisingly crisp, and boots beat sneakers on dusty grounds. If you are new to rodeo scoring, grab a quick guide so you can follow the eight seconds like a pro.
2. Go to the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo (Late Feb Start)
When this beast kicks off, it feels like the whole city turns up at once. You get chart-topping performers, world-class rodeo athletes, and aisles of vendors selling everything from belt buckles to deep-fried dreams. The BBQ contest perfumes the air, and you will swear you found the best brisket in Texas, at least for tonight.
Arrive early to beat the waves and scope out your food plan before showtime. Cashless options help, but bring backup for pop-up stands. If you have kids, the AgVenture area is gold for hands-on learning, and the carnival rides after dark feel extra electric.
3. Enjoy the Mardi Gras Party in Galveston
Beads rain from balconies, brass bands strut, and you find yourself dancing behind a float you did not plan to follow. That is the Galveston spell in February, part beach town, part Bourbon Street energy. Between parades, grab gumbo or boudin, then slip to the seawall for a quick breath of salt air.
Parking fills fast, so rideshares can save you time and stress. Bring a small crossbody bag and a portable charger since photos multiply quickly here. If you prefer family vibes, aim for daytime parades; for wilder energy, lean into night, but pace yourself and hydrate.
4. Take a Romantic Valentine’s Weekend Getaway
Imagine a fireplace, a bottle of local red, and stars you can actually count. That vibe is easy to find across Hill Country or a stylish city nook. Fredericksburg offers charming B&Bs and tasting rooms, Austin adds live music and rooftop cocktails, Wimberley brings creekside cabins, and Grapevine layers wine bars with vintage flair.
Book spa treatments early and request late checkout for a slow Sunday. Slip handwritten notes, choose a playlist, and plan one surprise, even if it is just breakfast tacos delivered. February weather swings, so pack a sweater and a picnic blanket for spontaneous overlooks.
5. Visit the Texas State Fairgrounds Events in Dallas
Fair Park does not sleep after autumn. February sprinkles in foodie pop-ups, cultural festivals, and quirky expos across those Art Deco halls. You might browse handmade soaps, sip small-batch coffee, then wander past the Esplanade fountains before settling into a cooking demo.
Check the calendar ahead, since weekends book with overlapping shows. DART rides drop you close, and parking is easier early. Bring a small tote for vendor finds and layer up for wind that funnels between buildings.
Afterward, slide to Deep Ellum for murals and late lunch, or catch a museum nearby to round out the day.
6. Go Wine Tasting in Fredericksburg
February softens the scene and gives you room to breathe between pours. Tasting rooms feel unhurried, staff have time to chat, and fireplaces glow against cool Hill Country air. You can bounce along 290, book a shuttle, and settle into a flight with cheese you swear pairs perfectly.
Reserve weekend tastings and designate a driver or use a tour. Bring a light jacket for patio views and consider a weekday visit for extra calm. If you want keepsakes, ship bottles home to avoid car clinks.
Cap the evening with German comfort food downtown and a moonlit stroll past twinkle-lit storefronts.
7. Explore Big Bend National Park
Cool air transforms long trails into joy instead of endurance. You will trace switchbacks in the Chisos, watch canyons blush at sunset, and feel tiny beneath that giant West Texas sky. Wildlife stirs, stars explode after dark, and mornings invite hot coffee on a porch with mountains etched sharp.
Book lodging early in or near the park and fuel up before remote drives. Carry layers, lots of water, and a paper map since service drops fast. Choose one big hike and one scenic drive per day to avoid burnout, then reward yourself with chili in Terlingua.
